Jack Hughes Shines for Team USA-and Sends a Message to the Devils
Jack Hughes looks like himself again-and that’s a problem for the rest of the hockey world.
After a frustrating stretch of injuries over the past season and a half, the New Jersey Devils star is back on the ice, healthy, dynamic, and reminding everyone just how dangerous he can be when he’s at full speed. Now skating for Team USA in Milan, Hughes didn’t just show up-he took over.
In Team USA’s Olympic opener against Latvia, Hughes was the best player on the ice. That’s not hyperbole. On a roster loaded with NHL talent, including his older brother Quinn Hughes, it was Jack who dictated the pace, created chances seemingly at will, and left no doubt about his elite status when healthy.
Quinn wasn’t far behind. The elder Hughes also tallied two assists in the 5-1 win, matching Jack’s production.
While they didn’t connect on the same scoring play, the chemistry was obvious. They found each other in space, pushed the tempo, and came close to linking up on a couple of highlight-reel opportunities.
It feels inevitable: a Hughes-to-Hughes goal is coming.
After the game, Jack spoke with NBC’s Kathryn Tappen and didn’t hold back about what it means to share the ice with his brother in front of their parents, who were in the stands watching it all unfold.
“It’s so special,” Jack said on Peacock. “To play with Quinn, it’s a dream come true.
I’m sure the Tkachuks could say the same thing. I think my parents are enjoying it a lot.”
That’s about as animated as Jack gets in front of a microphone. The usually reserved center lit up when talking about the moment-and that tells you everything you need to know.
He’s not just playing well; he’s playing happy. That hasn’t always been the case in New Jersey this season.
Which brings us to the bigger picture.
For the Devils, what’s happening in Milan should be more than a feel-good Olympic subplot. It should be a wake-up call.
Jack Hughes is thriving alongside Quinn. The on-ice fit is obvious.
The emotional boost is real. And there’s a window of opportunity-however small-to make that a full-time reality.
Quinn’s NHL rights are currently held by the Minnesota Wild, but only through the end of next season. If the Devils want to bring the Hughes brothers together in Newark, the time to start that process is now.
It wouldn’t just be a sentimental move. It would be a franchise-defining one.
Quinn Hughes is a top-ten defenseman in the NHL-arguably top-five on his best nights. His skating, vision, and puck-moving ability would immediately elevate New Jersey’s blue line.
But beyond the stats, it’s what he unlocks in Jack-and potentially Luke Hughes, the youngest of the trio-that makes this a move worth chasing.
Luke is still developing, but the potential is there. Pairing him with Quinn, even situationally, could accelerate that growth. And let’s be honest: there aren’t many teams in the league that can dream of icing three brothers with this much talent.
Team USA didn’t have Quinn at the 4-Nations Face-Off due to injury. The difference with him back in the lineup is stark.
He controls the game from the back end in a way few defensemen can. And when he’s out there with Jack, the game just looks easier-for both of them.
So yes, Jack is enjoying his Olympic moment. But it doesn’t have to be a one-off.
The Devils have a rare opportunity in front of them. It won’t be easy.
It’ll take creativity, patience, and probably some bold front-office maneuvering. But the reward?
A core of Jack, Quinn, and Luke Hughes anchoring the franchise for years to come.
That’s not just a good story. That’s a contender in the making.